More than a year after the military coup in Sudan, political parties began talks this month aimed at restoring a civilian-led transition, which the UN has hailed as an important step towards peace and democracy.
The coup ended a power-sharing agreement between military and civilian leaders established following the April 2019 overthrow of President Omar al-Bashir, who had ruled for 30 years.
The conference on the roadmap for the renewal of the dismantling of the 30/06 regime is over. It was the 1st of 5 issues identified in the Political Framework Agreement for further discussion. The Trilateral Mechanism will support the remaining events towards a final agreement. https://t.co/yXY6ka6rio
UNITAMS
"After almost 15 months after the coup of 25 October 2021, returning to the transition path would be a major, major step forward for all Sudanese whether they are civilians or in the military," said Volker Perthes, the UN Special Representative for Sudan, speaking recently to UN News.
Aspirations for peace
The talks mark the second and final phase of a political process that began in December with the signing of a Political Framework Agreement for a two-year transition leading to elections.
They are being facilitated by the UN, the African Union (AU) and the East African bloc IGAD, together known as the Tripartite Mechanism.
In a statement issued following the 8 January launch in the capital, Khartoum, UN Secretary-General António Guterres described the development as "another important step forward towards realizing the aspirations of the Sudanese people for democracy, peace and sustainable development."
Results-oriented discussions
Representatives from civil society, academia, the private sector, youth, and women rights groups, as well as traditional and religious leaders, are also taking part in the talks.
Five workshops will be held, the first of which focused on a road map for the dismantling of the old regime, said Mr. Perthes, who also heads the UN Integrated Transition Assistance Mission in Sudan (UNITAMS).
"I was able to witness quite a number of sessions, some meetings and workshops, and I was personally impressed by the level of discussions and sincerity with which the Sudanese talked to one another, interacted with one another," he continued. "It was very result-oriented, and that is important in this context."
